Runs in tights or hosiery can happen at any time. Nearly every women who's ever worn tights knows that sinking feeling that you get when you realize you've got a run in your hosiery. Although a run is almost always eventually inevitable, you can prolong the life of your tights with these tips.
Tip #1: Hairspray
Many women report that the first thing they do is to spray their hosiery down with hairspray. Although any kind works well, an aerosol can provides the best coverage with the least amount of work. It's thought that hairspray strengthens the fibers in the hosiery, making them resistant to runs and tears and many women spray them both before and after they've put their hosiery on. Hairspray is also reported to stop runs after they've started, although that method isn't as well-known as the next tip.
Tip #2: Clear Nail Polish
If you're wearing tights, a small bottle of clear nail polish should be your best friend. A little dab of nail polish will stop a run in its tracks so it's an excellent way to keep a run from expanding and ruining the entire pair. Although clear nail polish is best because it's invisible, colored polishes can also work, as long as the run is in a spot covered by your skirt, pants or shoes. Take care when removing your tights since the nail polish can sometimes cause them to stick to your legs. Although you might be tempted to pull quickly, like you would with a bandage, this could weaken the fibers in the tights. Pull slowly -- it will only hurt for a second.
Tip #3: Hand Wash, Hang Dry
When washing your tights or hosiery, take care to hand wash each time. The constant friction caused by a washing machine can weaken your tights, making them vulnerable to runs and rips. Some people are tempted to use a lingerie bag or pillowcase, and while this can do in a pinch, the best washing method truly is by hand. Take care to use lukewarm water, not hot and always hang dry. The heat from your dryer is bad news for hosiery.
Tip #4: Keep Nails Neat And Remove Jewelry
When working with your hosiery (either putting them on or washing them) take care to remove your jewelry and make sure your nails and cuticles are neat. Trimmed nails mean there's less for the hosiery to snag on and removing your jewelry just makes good sense. How many times have you accidentally caught your rings on something, whether it's a sweater or a pair of hosiery? If your heels are rough and calloused, get yourself to the closest nail salon for a pedicure - it's not just nails that can snag your tights.
Tip #5: Reinforce The Toe
One great tip combines an old pair of hosiery with a new one to create an extra reinforced toe. If your hosiery is constantly ripping or running in the toe area, cut off the toes of an old pair and put your 'toe protectors' on first. Your toes will have double the protection and no one will notice if you're wearing a pair of closed toe shoes.
Tip #6: Keep A Spare Handy
Okay, it's not exactly a tip on how to keep runs from happening, but eventually, even the best cared for tights will run. If you're at a special occasion, and you can't save them or remove them completely, consider packing a spare in your bag. A pair of hosiery or tights can roll up small enough for even the smallest bag. It's a good idea to place them in a protective plastic bag to make sure they won't catch on anything in your purse. After all, you don't want to replace one pair of torn hosiery with another.
Taking care of your hosiery and knowing what steps to take before, during and after a run or snag can go a long way towards preserving the life of your tights.
More Tights Resources:
Storing Tights, Hosiery And Leggings: 4 Storage Ideas And Tips
The Guide To Wearing Brightly Colored Tights
How To: 5 Ways to Wear Shorts and Tights
The 8 Hosiery Commandments: How To Look Beautiful In Tights
About the Author:
Cindy Prosser is a former underwear model turned freelance writer and mom. She's not ashamed to admit she looks gorgeous in Wolford tights, which honestly isn't that difficult but you have to count your victories :) When not glamorously overdressing for grocery store visits she stays busy writing for Bare Necessities.
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